Why do children do such unexpected and frankly baffling things when it would be SO MUCH EASIER to just listen to a grown-up? If you have stood at the door, shaking your head while your child rushes around to collect a suddenly VERY IMPORTANT object, or waited at the...

My dear child, I read your message yesterday when you asked me if you were on the naughty list. It sounds like you’ve been very worried. First of all, I want to say: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for the naughty list to worry you. I know you’re...

“Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere, clean up, clean up, everybody do your share.” Wouldn’t it be nice if that song just worked? Why is it so hard to convince kids to clean up? This week, I talked to a mom who described a problem that’s...

Oh hi! If you are a parent who is wondering whether your child has ADHD, then I’ve written a post full of heartfelt advice for you. Grab a tea, and let’s chat. I have ADHD. I’m also the parent of a child with ADHD. I work as a behaviour therapist with kids...

On this side of the door, it’s pretty cozy. On the other side of the door, you see snowflakes whirling down the street, and the weather report warns of a deep freeze. The sun is shining, but there are ice crystals in the air. “I’m fine, I don’t...

Let me tell you a story about what my mornings used to be like: It’s a typical weekday morning. I’m trying to be cheerful, but I’m looking at the clock. The dreaded school-time transition is just around the corner. In five minutes, we need to put on...

Most parents say that the hardest moments of their day happen after school, and it’s no wonder. Sometimes it’s just a little moment that triggers intense frustration, and sends us right over the edge. We do our best to keep it together, to solve problems as they pop...

The joys (and agonies) of sharing If your child is in pre-school or in early elementary, chances are they are learning to share. Maybe someone asks your daughter for a turn with a toy, but she’s not quite finished yet. What do you say? “Okay Myrtle,...

Rules are THE WORST, right? If you ask your child if they love “rules,” they will probably give you a look as if you’ve just offered them a bowl full of squirmy bugs. Who likes rules? (Okay, some children actually do say they like rules, and they...

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